cast no shadow. (the lost boys).

Chapter Six: Echoes of Midnight

I felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around my waist as I admired the briny ocean. I tilted my head to see Marko's angelic face nuzzled into my neck.

"What are you doing?" I giggled softly.

"Nothing." I felt him smile into my neck, then the tender brush of his lips burning against my skin. A hand ran through my hair as the kisses became harder and more urgent. Another hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer to his metallic-scented body, making me wish I had gone with them to feed.

"I know what you're doing." I smirked while enjoying the attention.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Marko replied, feigning cluelessness.

"I can smell the blood on you." I held back a moan threatening to escape.

"Can you really?" he asked, still kissing my neck. "Paul told us the details about your kiss, said it was hot too."

At that moment, I knew what he wanted, and I wanted it too. I moved my neck away and captured his lips with mine. It wasn't a shy, closed-mouth kiss; it was full-on, open-mouthed, and almost sexual. And I loved it. Our lips fit together like two puzzle pieces. When we broke away after what seemed like ages, he looked at me hungrily and lovingly, almost like Paul did when we first kissed.

"Come on, guys." a jealous-sounding Paul interrupted. "Let's go back to the cave."

I walked over to the boys' bikes at a sedate pace, swaying my hips, fully aware of Marko's eyes locked on me. A quiet growl rumbled from his lips as I swung my leg over his bike.

"You coming?" I smirked at him.

He let out an unnecessary sigh and got on his bike, revving it up. This time, I enjoyed the ride and admired the scenery rushing past me.

We sped down the stairs, across the beach, and raced through the forest. The familiar "keep out" and
"beware" signs came into view. The boys slowed their bikes and cut their engines, dismounting in the foggy, eerie landscape.

"By the way," Paul said, getting off his bike, "I forgot to tell you that you look really hot tonight."

"So you didn't think I was hot yesterday?" | teased as we entered the cave.

"No, I mean you're hot every day but-" Paul stuttered.

"I'm messing with you, dumbass." I patted his shoulder and headed for the couch.

"I knew that." Paul flipped his hair.

"No, you didn't. Potheads don't know that kind of stuff." Marko chimed in.

"Here we go again," Dwayne mumbled, taking a seat next to me.

"Shut up, go play with your birds." Paul tried offending him.

"I will" Marko huffed and strolled over to his pigeons.

"What have I gotten myself into?" I sighed.

"Your happily ever after, obviously." Paul commented.

"That was rhetorical." I deadpanned.

"So, Elizabeth," David began, "you weren't here when we woke up, gave us a little shock. Where'd you go?"

"Oh, I went back to Max's. I didn't want him worrying about me." I shrugged.

"Doesn't he know you can take care of yourself?" David inquired.

"Yes, but since he's supposed to be watching over me, I have to make sure he knows where I am. Or else my brother will get pissed," I explained.

"Why does it matter to your brother?" Dwayne wondered.

"Because if I don't obey his rules, he'll kill me," I said flatly, looking over to Paul, who was shoving Marko.

"Your own brother?" David asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Yep." I replied.

"I'd like to see him try." David scoffed.

"You're with us now; no one will even think about looking at you." Dwayne's deep voice reassured.

"You don't understand, he's ruthless and very dangerous," I mentioned.

"Aren't you stronger than him?" David inquired, slightly tilting his head.

"I guess so, but still, you don't know what he's capable of," I implied.

"You don't have to worry about it. Nothing will happen to any of us." Dwayne promised.

For the next few hours, we hung out and tried to distract me from thoughts of my brother, which I appreciated.

"I think I should head back now." I told the boys.

"Why?" Paul asked with a joint hanging from his lips.

"Max will be worried, plus I have work in the morning." I replied.

"Quit," Paul said, and Marko snickered.

"I can't quit, stupid." I playfully rolled my eyes.

"Why not?" Paul asked.

"What am I supposed to say? 'Hey Max, I'm quitting because l'd rather spend time with my four mates who I haven't told you about yet. Oh, and they happen to be in your coven! Yeah, not a chance." I sarcastically replied.

"You haven't told him yet?" Marko choked on air and then started laughing.

"No, not yet. I just need a little time. I don't know what he'll think of this. Hell, I'm still trying to let it sink in. This isn't something normal, you know?" I said.

"Honey, nothing about us is normal." David smirked.

"Believe me, I know." I rolled my eyes. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Aren't you forgetting something?" David asked before I could leave.

"What?" I asked.

He motioned me over and pulled me onto his lap. I gave him a questioning look, and he kissed me. It was slow, soft, and comforting. His gloved hand rested below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek as our breaths mingled. I pulled him closer until there was no space between us. He pulled away after a while and gave me one last kiss before I got off him.

"Oh well, I may as well kiss you all goodbye." I decided as I walked over to Dwayne.

He was sitting down, so I lowered my face to his, and our lips met. I placed my hands on his broad shoulders and drew him closer, deepening the kiss. As we parted, I saw his eyes sparkle and his lips curve into a smile, which made me smile back. I patted his head and went over to Paul, who was eagerly waiting.

"You're so stupid," I told him as I pulled him in for a quick kiss. He rested his hands on my ass and squeezed. I playfully rolled my eyes when we pulled away.

"I couldn't help it," he said innocently.

"Sure." I smirked as I went over to Marko, who wasted no time and crashed his lips onto mine. Our mouths moved together like two dancers sashaying through a melody. He pulled away slowly and smiled at me. Kissing four guys made me feel a little bit sluttish, but oh well.

"What time do you finish work?" David asked.

"Like half-eight." I replied.

"One of us can come meet you outside the store tomorrow night if you want. This could be a recurring thing." He proposed.

"Yeah, that sounds good." I nodded.

"Do you need a ride back?" Marko questioned.

"No, it's fine. I could do with a quiet walk." I told him.

He nodded, and we all bid our goodbyes. On the way back, l grabbed a quick meal and then made my way to Max's.